Synagogue Honored Creator of the Polka Mass

Many point to the Rev. George Balasko as the creator of the polka Mass in the early 1970s, a time when the Vatican was permitting musical variations on the liturgy. Balasko, a Cleveland priest also known for his contributions to Catholic-Jewish dialogue, re-worked polka favorites of his youth with English lyrics. (“Polka Mass to be celebrated Sunday,” Steven Spearie, The State Journal-Register, Sep 06, 2013)